The path that Yahiko and Jiraiya spoke of is too idealistic, only serving to bolster the arrogance of great nations.
In contrast, the Land of Demons has fiercely struck the Land of Wind, making the mighty Land of Wind rather well-behaved recently, only daring to play small tricks in secret.
In this regard, both great and small countries are no different, both bullying the weak and fearing the strong.
"Next, I will go to Orochimaru's base once; he seems to have new schemes there. I leave Hidden Rain to you. I will put the Six Paths of Pain on standby alert, ready to respond if any issues arise."
"Do not trust Orochimaru too much; I always feel he harbors ill intentions,"
Konan reminded Nagato.
"You overthink, Konan. Moreover, we don't have the luxury to be picky right now. Orochimaru's knowledge and research capabilities are what we need. For a person like him, besides pursuing immortality, he's merely seeking amusement for himself."
Immortality... certainly is an alluring dream.
Such things, Nagato has never pondered.
Perhaps it's because he's not yet reached the age to contemplate life and death.
Most of the time, he thinks about how to bring peace, rather than utilizing the resources of the Ninja Realm to satisfy his personal desires.
The moment Yahiko and Hanzou died for ideals, he too will eventually walk the same path.
Victory or defeat, only after fighting can it be known.
Before the war breaks out, all he can do is make thorough preparations, nothing more.
◎
The large steel cruise ship docked at the port, standing out among the scattered wooden fishing boats around like a crane among chickens.
Several flags are erected on the cruise ship, bearing the emblem of the Shion Flower, indicating it's from the Land of Demons.
On the cruise ship, every corner is filled with ninjas from the military of the Land of Demons, occasionally seeing debt collectors under the management of the Shion Flower Merchants Association, some of whom have traveled to the Land of Waves with this ship.
In the cruise ship's lounge, Ichihime held a report submitted by her subordinates, gaining quite a good preliminary understanding of the current situation in the Land of Waves.
"This country is even poorer than imagined."
It's not just the people without money, even the Daimyo and nobles owe a significant debt to the Land of Demons, still unsettled to this day.
Combined with the political corruption, the country's military will is extremely weak.
This led to her encountering three waves of pirate attacks upon her arrival.
Compared to the troops controlled by the Daimyo's Mansion, the pirates' combat power seemed stronger.
This made Ichihime unsure of where to start with the criticism.
The official military is weaker than jellyfish, such a country might as well be destroyed and rebuilt.
No wonder there's so many pirates on the road; a little more chaos here and it becomes a criminal zone that nobody governs.
Darker than the Underground Black Market.
"Speaking of Kado, where is he? Haven't seen him since morning."
Ichihime asked a Jonin from the Land of Demons next to her.
"President Kado went to the Daimyo's Mansion of the Land of Waves this morning to meet the Daimyo of the Land of Waves. It seems he wants to gain certain sovereignty from him."
Considering the Daimyo of the Land of Waves is currently overwhelmed by debt collectors from the Land of Demons, negotiating with him now would undoubtedly facilitate progress in the Land of Waves.
"Is that so?"
"Should the young lady ask President Kado to return?"
"No need, let him be. Next, we'll go visit this person named Tazuna; he's a bridge-building expert in the Land of Waves and is said to have high prestige in this country. Use him as the entry point."
Ichihime glanced at another individual's information she held.
The bridge-building expert named Tazuna is a local figure of esteem; if he can be drawn into their camp, it would greatly assist the Land of Demons' plans in the Land of Waves.
If they can use his prestige to gather more public support, that would be even better.
Anyway, the country is chaotic enough already; a bit more chaos wouldn't matter.
After great chaos comes great order.
"Prepare a gift, pick a few people to formally visit with me tomorrow morning, go ahead."
"Yes."
The Jonin of the Land of Demons bowed slightly and exited the lounge.